Depression decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a higher rating for TBI are remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety and depression.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder with major depression was denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder with major depression was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depressive disorder) due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder, anxiety, and PTSD are related to his service, including harassment he experienced during active duty. The VA psychiatrist provided a more probative opinion linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include depressive disorder and PTSD, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of his mental health conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed seizures and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder NOS was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim prior to the Board's decision. The issue of a compensable disability rating prior to November 13, 2013 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter, for service-connected scar of the right arm, is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and major depression have more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period. An initial rating of 100 percent for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be related to his service-connected prostate cancer residuals.,The reduction from a 100% rating for prostate cancer residuals was not appropriate, and the Veteran's original 100% rating has been restored.

The Veteran is found to be unable to obtain and sustain a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, was not incurred in or as a result of active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to service. The Veteran was diagnosed with reactive disorder in service and later developed symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is rated at 70 percent, effective May 11, 2011. She also meets the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD, adjustment disorder and major depressive disorder, is related to service in Vietnam. Service connection for these conditions has been granted.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the appropriate disability ratings for PTSD, TBI, depressive disorder, insomnia, hemorrhoids, and GERD. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide updated opinions from VA examiners.

The Veteran's depression was not manifested by total occupational and social impairment prior to September 1, 2017. From September 1, 2017, the Veteran's depression has not been manifested by total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 50 percent since November 15, 2010. The evidence does not show that the disability has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder, and her claims for increased ratings for right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.